Petit mal and grand mal seizures produced by toluene or benzene intoxication in the cat

Abstract

Motor incoordination, euphoria and hallucinations are symptoms reported for humans voluntarily intoxicated by industrial solvents. An epileptic-like consciousness impairment has also been noted. The present paper describes a technique used for the experimental study of solvent intoxication in which toluene and benzene can be applied directly into the trachea of freely moving cats with chronically implanted electrodes. This technique permits the control of solvent dose and time of exposure. Results showed a 3 Hz spike-wave activity in the gyrus cinguli recording with both toluene or benzene intoxication. Furthermore, benzene inhalation produced generalized tonic-clonic seizures. These effects were dose related. However, a sensitization period was essential for the development of such alterations, and effects showed a tendency to shortening through chronic exposures. These alterations were correlated with behavioral disturbances such as nodding, twitching and apparent hallucinations. Results are discussed regarding the sensitization period, the optimal peak of effects, and the period of tolerance development relevant to an earlier found amygdalar activation that could be correlated with other methods inducing experimental seizures, such as repetitive stimulation of the brain (kindling).